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Ard Hill

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Latest forest information

Open water

  • This destination contains areas of open water which can be hazardous if you are not suitably prepared. Follow our water safety advice and take care.

About

Panoramic views over picturesque Loch Alsh

A perfect place to stop and stretch your legs on the way to Skye. Drink in the fresh sea air and sweeping coastal views as you follow the gentle low-level trail around Ard Hill. Keep a look out for otters, seals and pods of dolphins in the tranquil waters of Loch Alsh below and buzzards and eagles flying above.

Walking trails

Ard Hill route card (PDF)

Walking

Ard Hill Circular

This trail loops through the trees to skirt the coast overlooking Loch Alsh. Look out for otters, seals and pods of porpoise in the tranquil waters below and eagles and buzzards overhead.

Mostly firm, uneven gravel surface. Short earth and grass section may be muddy. Includes some steep slopes.

Moderate trail grade icon
1 ¼ miles / 2.0 km

Allow
¾ hour

More information

Follow the way-marked route from the car park. Keep a look out for otters, seals and pods of dolphins in the tranquil waters below and eagles and buzzards overhead.

Facilities and access

Walking
Walking
Parking icon
Parking
Viewpoint
Viewpoint

There is a hotel and café in Balmacara, a few hundred metres from the entrance to the woods. Otherwise, head to nearby Kyle of Lochalsh for public toilets, shops and places to eat and drink.

Car parking information

There is no charge to park in this car park. Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates.

More about parking

Getting here

The turn-off for Ard Hill is on the south side of the A87 between the villages of Balmacara and Kirkton.

Using SatNav?

IV40 8DH is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

Buses between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh/Skye stop at Balmacara Hotel, a 10 minute walk from the forest entrance. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.

Get directions

Get in touch

Have a question or suggestion for improvement?

Phone
0300 067 6100 (option 1)
More contact information

Nearby forests

Forested hillside overlooking sea loch

Walk beneath the trees beside Loch Alsh 

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Parking icon
Parking
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Distance from 'Ard Hill': 0.70 miles
Drooping conifer branch

Wander woodland trails for sweeping views across Skye

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Distance from 'Ard Hill': 2.85 miles
Child holding cones

The perfect place for a bit of otter-spotting

Facilities and activities
Toilets
Toilets
Walking
Walking
Parking (charge)
Parking (charge)
Easy-access facilities
Easy-access facilities
Wildlife hide
Wildlife hide
Distance from 'Ard Hill': 3.95 miles